Narrow-striped Mongoose
Mungotictis decemlineata
Taxonomic Classification
 |
Kingdom Animalia |
|
|
Phylum Chordata |
|
|
Subphylum Vertebrata |
|
|
Class Mammalia |
|
|
Order Carnivora |
|
|
Family Euplerida (formally Herpestidae) |
|
|
Genus Mungotictis |
|
|
Species Mungotictis decemlineata |
Range and Habitat
The narrow-striped mongoose has a very limited range. It makes it's home in only the western and southwestern parts of the island of Madagascar. These animals are diurnal, spending their days in the temperate open savannah on the ground or up in the trees depending on the whether it's winter (dry season) or summer (wet season).
Description
The total length of the narrow-striped mongoose ranges from 18. 8 inches to 24.3 inches. The tail length(9-10.6 inches) is not much shorter than the head and body length(9.8-13.7 inches). This species of mongoose can weigh between 1.3-1.5 pounds. Their fur is tawny colored with a lighter underside. They have 8-10 thin black stripes running down their back and sides. Their feet do not have any fur on them, but the digits are partially webbed. Their tail is bushy like that of a squirrel. There is no sexual dimorphism.
Diet
This mongoose will eat small vertebrates and invertebrates as well as bird eggs. Although its main diet is focused on insects, it has the ability to crack open an egg shell. To do so, it will lie on its side with the egg in all four paws. It will then toss it onto a hard object until the shell breaks open. Once open the mongoose will consume all of contents.
Behavior
The narrow-striped mongoose is diurnal spending the majority of its time in ground burrows or in tree holes. Since their feet have partial webbing they are capable of swimming. They are social animals, living in many types of groups up to around 10 members, including family groups, coalitions, or maternal groups. These groupings also depend on what time of year it is with the animals being closer during the summer.
Reproduction
The exact age of sexual maturity is unknown for the narrow-stripped mongoose. Mature males and females form a monogamous pair during the months from December to April with a peak in breeding during February and March. The female is pregnant for approximately three months. She then gives birth to a single offspring weighing only 1.76 ounces. The young usually nurses for only two months. The young will leave two years after birth.
Status
Being the only species in the genus
Mungotictis, not much is known about their longevity. The
narrow-striped mongoose is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List, but has
no special status in CITES or on the US Federal List.
Direct killing by humans is not causing much harm to this
animal. However, as humans clear land as populations grow, what little
habitat this mongoose has is being destroyed for grazing.
More Information
Malagasy Narrow-striped Mongoose
Animal Diversity Narrow-striped Mongoose page
Page Created By: Jennifer Lazarus
Pensacola Junior College, Zoo Animal Technology Fall 2006
For more information please email the Small Carnivore TAG Education Liaison